An article on MSNBC.com says retailers are expecting a huge surge in gift card purchases as consumers make last-minute holiday purchases this weekend.
With only five left before Christmas, stores and malls are expected to see gift card sales soar even more as procrastinators look for quick gift alternatives for relatives and friends.
Americans are expected to spend $26.3 billion in gift cards this holiday season, up 42 percent from $18.5 billion in 2005, according to the National Retail Federation. About 88 percent of shoppers polled by the National Retail Federation said that they will purchase two or more gift cards this holiday season.
Consumers are snapping them up because they're easy to buy, they're more acceptable gifts these days, and they ensure the recipient gets exactly what he or she wants. They're also becoming more accessible to shoppers. Simon Property Group, the nation's largest mall operator, offers more than 25 card varieties.
Gift cards are easy and convenient but there are few things to watch out for. You will be charged a service fee (ranging from $2.95 to $10.95) when you purchase an American Express, Visa or Master Card gift card. Many gift cards also start to lose their value if they are not used in a given amount of time - usually after a year or more. If you receive any gift cards this year be sure to check with the gift card issuer to see how long you have before the card starts to depreciate in value. California has some gift card laws starting January 1st that are more pro-consumer.
You can find a list of direct links to some online gift card ordering pages including Amazon.com, iTunes, Fandango and SpaWish.com on ShoppersShop.com's Gift Card section. You can also find gift cards directly at any retailer's physical store. Many grocery stores and drugstores also have large racks of gifts cards for dozens of stores and restaurants.
Photo: Ian Mangiardi shops for iTunes Gift Cards at the new Apple Store on West 14th Street in New York City.
An 
